Killswitch Engage officially part ways with frontman

After performing together for nine years, the band announced that they will not be discussing the reasons for Jones’ departure out of ‘respect for everyone involved’.

Jones was replaced by Phil Labonte of All That Remains during Killswitch Engage‘s 2010 tour. He is now out of the band, according to a statement on the group’s website, Killswitchengage.com.

The statement, which was posted yesterday (January 4), reads:

We have decided to continue on without Howard Jones as the singer of Killswitch Engage. We love Howard and are thankful for the nine years that we’ve had him in the band. Out of respect for everyone involved we will not be discussing the specific reasons behind this decision.

It continues: “Howard is a part of our family and always will be, and we wish him well. He has left big shoes to fill, so we certainly have our work cut out for us to find the next singer of Killswitch, something we plan on making priority #1 going forward.”

The band also promise a new album in the post, saying: “Most importantly, thanks to all of you for all the support throughout the years and for sticking by us for all this time. We really do appreciate it and we very much look forward to having a new record for all of you in the not too distant future that we can all be proud of.”